"Department Administrator"

Position Summary

The Department Administrator serves as the chief administrative and financial leader for the Department of Political Science. This position reports to the Department Chair and serves as the primary business manager of the department's fiscal, academic, and administrative functions. The Department Administrator provides financial and operational oversight while serving as a trusted partner to the Dean's office and the Department Chair, as well as to the departmental faculty, staff, and students. This role manages the departmental staff and budgets, directs administrative functions, and ensures effective operations in support of teaching, research, and the goals of the department. The role requires strong leadership, presence, and collaboration to foster a supportive and high-performing departmental community.

Ideal Candidate

The Department Administrator of Political Science would ideally have experience working in higher education and possess advanced financial management and department administration experience.

Working Environment

Hybrid position: This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. The department currently allows 1 to 2 remote days per week after the probationary period. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range

$88,000 - $92,500 annually
*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.*

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
  + In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
• 3+ years of related administrative experience
• Skills:
  • Budget management skills
  • Expert knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, email, and database software programs to either complete work assignments or direct the completion of work assignments
  • Excellent data reporting skills
  • Advanced verbal and written communication skills
  • Advanced problem-solving and critical thinking skills
  • Ability to work independently or supervise others, ensuring the timely completion of work
  • Resource management skills
  • Project management skills

Preferences

• Rice University work experience or experience in any higher education environment strongly desired
• Experience working with Rice IO or Oracle Cloud ERP and HCM systems

Essential Functions

• Responsible for the management of all departmental staff involved in administrative operations and support to faculty, students, and programs
• Manages the development, implementation, administration, and evaluation of departmental operations, including but not limited to: research administration, budget/finance, program administration, human resources, communications/outreach, and compliance
• Monitors trends and establishes goals for the department
• Provides guidance on the interpretation, implementation, and compliance with policies and regulations
• Recommends actions to ensure compliance
• Represents the department or function at the school level
• Serves a primary role in the development and implementation of the annual budget
• Participates in short-term budget planning and supports long-term budget planning
• Manages budget monitoring, expenditure review and approval, processing payments, conducting analyses, creating forecasts, and identifying trends
• Oversees the maintenance of financial records
• Creates, manages, and implements outreach plans that may include relationship development, communications, and event management
• Manages the human resources function for the department for staff; administers the visa process for international faculty, staff, and students; coordinates faculty searches and the promotion and tenure process
• Manages graduate and/or undergraduate program administration, including graduate student recruitment and admissions, student records, curriculum support, coordinates the accreditation process, manages scholarships and fellowships, advises students, and monitors their progress
• Supervises support to faculty and provides guidance on university policies and procedures
• May manage pre- and post-award research administration
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Special Instructions to Applicants:
*All interested applicants should attach a cover letter and resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.*

Rice University HR | Benefits
Rice Mission and Values